I am raising money to help my daughter Maranda and her husband Aaron with medical expenses; rushed to the ER only days before getting insurance in place and being denied any help or emergency benefits.

Maranda's Story:

I can honestly say that 2025 has been the worst year of my adult life. I am an early career scientist who was building a career in R&D for mRNA therapeutics, and I was impacted by the massive number of layoffs in the Biotech Industry, especially with mRNA companies. I was laid off in March 2025. Since then, I can say, with full conviction, that I have done everything in my power to become gainfully employed. Unfortunately, the job market is on fire right now. This is my first time being unemployed since I was 14 years old and I feel useless and completely terrible about all of it. I'm currently working on a slight career change to what is (hopefully) more stable work, I need some time to finish the coursework and take the licensing exam to become a "Patent Agent".

That said, TWO WEEKS before my new health insurance policy was to take effect through my husband's new job, I came down with what the doctors indicated as "viral meningitis". What I initially thought was lingering morning sickness and migraine from my first trimester (yes, I am pregnant. Formal announcement to come when I don't feel like my world is continuing to fall apart), turned out to be much worse. I had flu-like symptoms that steadily became worse until October 30th. Only 4 days before my new policy was going to kick in, I ended up in the ER. I was incredibly dehydrated, there was blood in my urine, and any and all electrolytes depleted to dangerously low levels. I tested negative for Flu A/B, covid, and RSV. The reason the doctor's suspected meningitis is because I had an incredibly stiff neck, ultra sensitivity to light, smells and sound (I slept on the floor in my closet for a week because it was the only place that would get dark), and I had zero appetite.

I don't regret going to the ER, those doctors saved my life. I was given several electrolytes, an antibiotic, an antiviral, anti-nausea, you name it, and so much Tylenol because my fever was 101 and kept recurring every few hours. I was FINALLY able to see and speak to some OBGYN's to make sure the baby was okay (all is good there; turns out the human female body is great at protecting the fetus even when you feel like you're dying). UCSD ER was kind enough to give me some discounts since I was denied any help via emergency medi-cal etc. After all is said and done, I still owe $10,000. If you could donate any amount whatsoever or share this page, I would be extremely grateful. I am doing much better, almost fully recovered, and eating full meals again. Thank you in advance to anyone who can help.

Warmest Regards,

Maranda Cantrell